Elon Musk Tweets Tesla Model Y will be revealed on March 15, 2019
Word on the street via some tweets is that Elon Musk has set a date for the reveal of its next vehicle, the Model Y. That date is supposedly March 15, 2019, after a curious and inquisitive Tesla fan tweeted Musk himself regarding the new model.
FCA issues massive recall due to faulty cruise control in 4.8 million cars
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued a recall of 4.8 million U.S. market cars with gasoline engines and automatic transmissions due to a cruise-control software defect. The NHTSA advised drivers not to use cruise control on the affected vehicles because the defect could prevent the system from disengaging.
Pioneer’s newest in-dash receivers take CarPlay or Android Auto fully wireless
With even using your phone at all while in the driver’s seat being illegal in some states, options like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are becoming increasingly popular. Pioneer’s new NEX in-dash receivers make things even easier by letting you connect without even taking your phone out of your pocket.
Uber faces obstacles as it seeks to resume autonomous car tests in Pennsylvania
Uber recently shut down its autonomous car testing program in the Phoenix area, but it wants to resume testing prototypes in Pennsylvania and California in the not-too-distant future. The mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, won't welcome the company with open arms. He wants Uber to observe stricter guidelines.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor gets smarter with new off-road tech
The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor sports two notable new features that improve drivability off-road. Adaptive dampers can adjust on the fly, and the new Trail Control system acts like low-speed, off-road cruise control. The updated F-150 Raptor hits U.S. showrooms later this year.
Mercedes-AMG unleashes details on U.S.-bound E53 lineup for 2019
After an initial reveal in Europe, Mercedes-AMG officially released details of the U.S.-bound version of the all-new, E 53 sedan, coupe, and cabriolet. Highlights include an all-new 48-volt electrical system and the return to straight-six power with the same turbocharged unit from the latest CLS.
Uber’s car did not recognize pedestrian in fatal Arizona crash, report says
The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report of a March 2018 fatal crash in Tempe, Arizona when an Uber self-driving car struck a pedestrian pushing a bicycle. The report states the self-driving system did not recognize the pedestrian at all and only recognized the bicycle just before impact.
Honda engineers build a Civic Type R pickup truck, just for fun
The Honda Civic Type R is far from the most obvious base for a pickup truck, but engineers at Honda's Swindon factory in the U.K. built a Type R truck anyway. Dubbed "Project P," it retains the stock Type R powertrain and can do 165 mph, but while hauling more stuff than a standard Civic.
BMW calls the idea of a convertible SUV a ‘really interesting topic’
Like most of its competitors, BMW is making big investments in crossovers and SUVs to keep growing. The company told Digital Trends it finds the idea of a convertible SUV "a really interesting topic," and a separate report claims it will round out its lineup with an ultra-luxurious range-topping model named X8.
Latest selfie spot? In front of a Tesla Semi hooked up at a Supercharger station
A prototype Tesla Semi electric truck powering up at a Tesla Supercharger station in Kettleman City, California attracted social media attention this week. People posed for pictures with the silver hauler to post online. Tesla plans to start selling the Semi in 2019. Reservations for the 300-mile range model are $20K.
One-off SP38 takes inspiration from Ferraris of the past
The Ferrari SP38 is a customized car built for what the Italian automaker describes as one of its most dedicated customers. Based on the 488 GTB, the customized SP38's styling is inspired by the Ferrari F40 and 308 GTB, two of the automaker's most famous supercars of the past.
Apple and Volkswagen are reportedly partnering to build self-driving vans
Apple has reportedly inked a deal with Volkswagen for the tech firm's self-driving shuttle service. Ferrying Apple employees between the company's various campuses and offices in Cupertino, California, the driverless shuttle will reportedly use modified versions of Volkswagen's T6 Transporter van.
Uber shutters self-driving project in Arizona two months after fatal accident
Uber has ended autonomous-car tests in Arizona two months after one of its robot vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian there. The firm will take a new approach when it resumes trials in Pittsburgh and San Francisco, that it says will let it "hone the safety aspects of our software and operating procedures."
Workhorse Group’s drones are now delivering packages in Ohio
Workhorse Group is launching a drone delivery pilot program in Loveland, Ohio. Residents will be able to use a dedicated app to have their packages delivered by drones launched from nearby delivery vans. The drones are the same HorseFly models used in a test with UPS last year.
Uber gears up for its latest scheme in the tricky Japanese market
Strict regulations make it tough for Uber to launch its regular ridesharing service in Japan. But it hasn't lost hope. Taking a different approach, it plans to link its app with 20 cab firms to offer a taxi-hailing service to 150,000 inhabitants of an island near the city of Osaka.
Mobileye tries to show off self-driving car, runs a red light instead
Mobileye recently announced debuted a new fleet of prototype vehicles that would be able to make their way through cities and across streets without using lasers or radars. Unfortunately, at a press event in Jerusalem meant to show off the capabilities, a test car drove straight through a red light.
Bose’s revolutionary adaptive suspension gets a reboot for 2019
Bose, the same company that brings you some of the most popular audio gear, conceptualized a revolutionary adaptive car suspension design in 1980. Thanks to advances in technology and a new proprietor, it will finally reach production in 2019 as the world's first digital car chassis technology.
Shelby will roll out 10 new limited-edition ’67 Mustang GT500 Super Snakes
One of the most recognizable muscle cars ever made, the 1967 Mustang GT500 Super Snake with a 427-inch engine and 550 horsepower, will get a new lease on life with an extremely limited run from Shelby American and a price tag of a quarter million dollars.
Performance option pushes Tesla’s mass market Model 3 into Model S territory
Posting on Twitter, Tesla CEO and co-founder Elon Musk has announced two new variants of the Model 3. The first is the all-wheel drive variant, which gets a dual-motor drivetrain. The second is the Performance model, which Musk bills as a BMW M3-slapping sports sedan. Both offer up to 310 miles of range.
Waze on iPhone just landed on your Ford’s infotainment screen
Until recently, if you wanted to use Waze in your Ford vehicle, you had to do it through an Android phone. But now iOS users can also project waze from their iPhones to their Ford's infotainment screen and get all the benefits from the navigation app.
Michelin Tweel airless radial tires are now ready for utility vehicles
Developed for military special operations light-duty tactical vehicles, Michelin Tweel airless radial tires are now available for UTVs. A single-unit wheel and tire combination, the Tweel takes the definition of all-terrain to new levels. You won't go fast on Tweels, but you'll never need to change a flat.
Is the revolutionary Tesla Semi dead? Some analysts believe so
With Tesla Motors and CEO Elon Musk caught up in a bit of a crazy media and PR whirlwind from launch issues with the Model 3, it seems that such troubles have market analysts and investors convinced that the electric vehicle company’s next biggest prospect, the Tesla Semi, may be dead.
Nissan used social media to create a tricked-out overlanding vehicle
The Nissan Armada Mountain Patrol is a project vehicle designed with input from Instagram and Facebook users. Nissan let social media users vote on modifications for the overlanding project truck, including tires, an exterior vinyl wrap, and a rooftop tent.
How gaming company Unity is driving automakers toward virtual reality
Unity Technologies, best known for the software tools it builds for game developers, has quietly turned its attention toward the auto industry. Unity's tech now enables virtual walkarounds of cars that haven't even been built yet, and may soon aid the development of self-driving cars.
See what it’s like to take a ride in Drive.ai’s self-driving taxi
Drive.ai is weeks away from launching a self-driving taxi trial in Frisco, Texas. But to give us all a glimpse into what it will be like to ride in one of its autonomous cars along public roads and in traffic, the Silicon Valley-based company has released a video showing its technology in action.
Starting under $20,000, the 2019 Veloster shows Hyundai can still deliver value
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster, which hits U.S. showrooms later this year, starts at just under $20,000. That base price includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a healthy 147 horsepower from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Turbo models start at around $24,000.
2019 Audi A8 won’t get Traffic Jam Pilot driver-assist tech in the U.S.
In Europe, the 2019 Audi A8 luxury sedan will be available with Traffic Jam Pilot, which allows limited hands-free driving. But Audi won't bring the system to the United States, citing concerns on multiple fronts, including regulations, infrastructure, and the need for additional consumer education.
Apple expands autonomous car fleet as major Chinese player comes to town
Apple now has the second-largest fleet of self-driving cars on the streets of California. It's just added 10 more, so it's now licensed to test 55 of its high-tech vehicles in the state. The news comes as Chinese ridesharing giant Didi Chuxing received a license to start testing its own autonomous cars in California.
More than two dozen deaths linked to keyless ignition from engines being left on
A recent New York Times report found that more than two dozen people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, while many others have been injured, after forgetting to turn off their engines, a result of keyless ignition systems that don't warn if an engine has been left running.
Cops have lots to learn when it comes to autonomous-car emergencies
As part of its application for a permit to test fully driverless cars on California's public roads, Waymo has compiled a 41-page booklet explaining to law enforcement agencies and first responders how to deal with its vehicles in a range of emergency situations. It seems there's plenty to learn.
Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster arrives just in time for convertible season
The Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster gives convertible sports car buyers yet another choice. It's the middle child of the Mercedes-AMG GT convertible lineup, offering 515 horsepower and a top speed of 192 mph and slotting between the base AMG GT and range-topping GT C models.
Pope Francis’ Lamborghini sells for more than $850,000 at charity auction
A Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 given to Pope Francis last year sold for $857,000 at auction, with proceeds going to multiple charities. The Pope announced his intention to auction the custom-painted car off for charity when Lamborghini gave it to him, and has made good on that promise.
Watch a pro drifter battle an autonomous race car on the track
Roborace pitted its prototype autonomous race car -- known as "DevBot -- against pro drifter Ryan Tuerck in a battle of man versus machine. Because if self-driving cars are going to race, they need to be at least as fast as human drivers. Find out if the robot was able to beat the human.
Subaru will launch its first plug-in hybrid with a little help from Toyota
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will be the Japanese automaker's first production plug-in hybrid model. It will also be the second Subaru developed in collaboration with Toyota, which will supply the new model's hybrid system. Will it be more successful than the last Crosstrek Hybrid?